Major Characters
Jim Gallien- He picked up Alex from hitchhiking in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jim took him to the Stampede Trail, his final destination. He additionally, tried to change Alex’s mind, but he was set on living off the land in Alaska. Therefore, Jim gave Alex insulated boots, his lunch, and his phone number to call if he ever made it out alive.
Wayne Westerberg- Wayne picked Alex up outside of Cut Bank, and as soon as he met him he wanted to take Alex under his wing. They went to Sunburst where Alex stayed for three days with Wayne. Wayne told him to look him up if he ever needed a job before he left. Only a couple of weeks went by before he did just that. Wayne told the author that Alex was the hardest worker he’d ever seen. Additionally, Westerberg discovered Alex’s real name was Chris from a tax form. Alex felt a bond towards Carthage and Wayne. Alex also kept in touch by writing/calling every month or two when he left to continue his journey. Furthermore, when Alex was found dead Wayne is the one who gave the police his identification.
Jan Burres- She is a woman in her early forties, and she picked Alex up near the town of Orick. She thought he was a nice kid and thought the world of him. When they went to Orick Beach, Alex camped with them for a week. after Alex left, Jan and her husband, Bob never expected Alex to keep in touch, yet he did for the next two years sending postcards every month or two.
Minor Characters
Walt McCandless- He is the father of Chris, and he works with NASA and Hughes aircraft. He is married to Billie, Chris' mother.
Carine McCandless- She is very close with Chris, and she is the only member in his family he feels comfortable sharing his feelings with.
Jim Gallien- He picked up Alex from hitchhiking in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jim took him to the Stampede Trail, his final destination. He additionally, tried to change Alex’s mind, but he was set on living off the land in Alaska. Therefore, Jim gave Alex insulated boots, his lunch, and his phone number to call if he ever made it out alive.
Wayne Westerberg- Wayne picked Alex up outside of Cut Bank, and as soon as he met him he wanted to take Alex under his wing. They went to Sunburst where Alex stayed for three days with Wayne. Wayne told him to look him up if he ever needed a job before he left. Only a couple of weeks went by before he did just that. Wayne told the author that Alex was the hardest worker he’d ever seen. Additionally, Westerberg discovered Alex’s real name was Chris from a tax form. Alex felt a bond towards Carthage and Wayne. Alex also kept in touch by writing/calling every month or two when he left to continue his journey. Furthermore, when Alex was found dead Wayne is the one who gave the police his identification.
Jan Burres- She is a woman in her early forties, and she picked Alex up near the town of Orick. She thought he was a nice kid and thought the world of him. When they went to Orick Beach, Alex camped with them for a week. after Alex left, Jan and her husband, Bob never expected Alex to keep in touch, yet he did for the next two years sending postcards every month or two.
Minor Characters
Walt McCandless- He is the father of Chris, and he works with NASA and Hughes aircraft. He is married to Billie, Chris' mother.
Carine McCandless- She is very close with Chris, and she is the only member in his family he feels comfortable sharing his feelings with.